A March 2010 file photo of the Assembly Chamber.TRENTON — Legislation that proponents say would increase both the protections and rights of domestic violence victims in New Jersey has advanced in the Assembly.
One measure in the three-bill package would impose tougher bail conditions for those accused of violating domestic violence-related restraining.
The others would extend protections for domestic abuse victims who have had to break leases and create a self-defense justification — in some cases — for victims who use force to protect themselves from abusers.
The Judiciary Committee approved all three measures Thursday, and they now head to the full Assembly for its consideration. Dates for those votes have not yet been scheduled, but officials say it could happen by month's end.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
And it's estimated that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
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"Given the emotional and physical trauma that (domestic violence) victims have already been subjected to, they should be able to receive some measure of comfort knowing our laws do everything possible to protect their safety in the future," said Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Bridgeton).
Riley sponsored the measure, which would bar those charged with violating domestic violence-related restraining orders from having the option to post 10 percent of their bail to gain their release. Riley notes that in some cases, using this option allows restraining order violators to be released by paying as little as $50.
The measure creating a self-defense justification for domestic violence victims was sponsored by L. Grace Spencer, (D-Newark). She said it would make evidence surrounding domestic violence restraining orders admissible and relevant to determining if someone protected by such orders was justified in using force to protect themselves.
"Victims of domestic violence have already had their personal rights violated, so we must ensure that if they are simply trying to protect themselves from an abuser that all of the facts of the circumstances involved are considered," Spencer said.
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, (D-Englewood), said her measure would extend protections for domestic abuse victims who have had to break a lease.
It would prevent landlords from refusing to lease to or breaking the leases of tenants who previously had to end rental agreements based on their or a household member's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.
"No one should have to live in fear, especially when they're in their own home," Vainieri Huttle said. "By allowing victims of abuse to break a leasing agreement and start anew without being penalized by future landlords, we are encouraging victims to take a stand and every precaution to protect themselves."